Philomena Marie James

St. Martinville - A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Friday, July 19, 2019, at Notre Dame Catholic Church in St. Martinville for Philomena Marie James, 77, who passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2019, at Camelot of Broussard. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Notre Dame Catholic Church from 7:00 am until 10:00 am on Friday. A rosary will be prayed at 8:30 am on Friday. Rev. Thomas will officiate at the Funeral Mass. The readers will be Leslie Guidry and Austin Tennet. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery in St. Martinville. Philomena Marie James was born on November 5, 1941 to Anita Wiltz James and Elias James Sr. Philomena or "Manzy", as she was affectionately known to her family and friends, was a loving, caring, and very talented person. She had the voice of an angel and played the piano and organ masterfully. Manzy dedicated her entire life towards teaching and mentoring children of all ages. Though she had no children of her own, all her students were hers. She began her teaching career at Notre Dame Elementary School in St. Martinville in 1958 where she taught many people in this church today including some of her younger siblings. In 1963, she moved to Los Angeles, California to further her teaching career and taught at Ascension Catholic Elementary School for 44 years and St. Joseph’s High School for girls for 4 years. Her teaching career spanned some 54 years. During those years she was also known for and celebrated for her beautiful voice and talent for performing. She was always the organist at different parishes she belonged to and also served as Choir Director for many years. Her lifetime achievements can be attributed to her strong determination to succeed and her love and faith in God which was instilled in her at an early age and remained with her throughout her life. The many children she taught, cared for, mentored and loved who are now successful adults, are a testament to a life dedicated to helping others. She is survived by her loving brothers Curtis James, Sr. and wife Rose of Lafayette and Chris Christopher James and wife Peggy of St. Martinville; sisters, Helen Bourda of St. Martinville, Felicia Mercier and husband Walter of St. Martinville, Joanne Pratt and husband Alexander, Jr. of St. Martinville, Myrtle St. Julien and husband Conrad, Sr. of Richmond, TX, and Carmella Marshall and husband Ed of Harvey, LA; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Elias James, Sr., mother, Anita James, sister, Anita Mae James, sister, Carmen Ann James, brother, Elias James, Jr., sister, Althea Marie James, brother-in-law, Joseph Bourda. Pallbearers will be Steven Mercier, Conrad St. Julien, Jr., Terrence Bourda, Christopher James, Jason St. Julien, and David Mercier. Honorary Pallbearers will be Curtis James, Sr., Alexander Pratt, Jr., Walter, Mercier, Conrad St. Julien, Jr., and Ed Marshall. Pellerin Funeral Home (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements. To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com